Thurston was 'filthy' I went to Newcastle: Ponga

Kalyn Ponga has opened up about the struggle he faced before deciding to make the move from North Queensland to the Newcastle Knights, saying his illustrious team captain, Johnathan Thurston, was “filthy” with his decision to head for the Hunter.

It’s a move many would have to call into question, going from the grand finalists to the three-time wooden spooners.

Even factoring in the expected improvement in the Knights this season – bookmakers Neds rate them at $2.50 to make the top eight, with four teams at longer odds – they are rated nowhere near the Cowboys – who Neds have at $5.50 to win the whole shebang, behind only the Roosters ($5.00).

So it won’t come as much surprise that Ponga himself was initially hesitant about putting pen to paper to join Nathan Brown’s side.

"When Dad put down the Knights contract in front of me, I just looked at where they were then. They were at the bottom of the ladder. That's all I really saw."

Nevertheless, the teenager made his way to Newcastle at the end of 2016 to hear the club’s pitch, and a home-cooked meal helped sway his decision.

"I didn't have much food in my hotel room," Ponga said.

"I had heard that Browny's wife cooks a good feed, so I invited myself over for dinner."

At that fateful meal, Brown, football manager Darren Mooney and Dane Gagai – who has since left the club for the Rabbitohs – started to bring Ponga around to a move to the former Steel City.

It probably helped that club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns and Danny Buderus got in his ear as well – although Thurston wasn’t going to let the young talent leave without a fight.

JT has admitted to being “disappointed” in Ponga’s decision – and with Neds offering $34.00 for someone who hasn’t played ten first-grade games to be the comp’s leading try-scorer, it’s an understandable position.

"He was obviously filthy," Ponga said. "But I decided to take my own path. I think he understands."

However, Ponga believes the reaction of the Cowboys’ Immortal in waiting was simply evidence "he cares about me".

"He had me under his wing for the last two years up there. He was just a bit worried about me."

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